Helmet with retractable visor and bridge

ABSTRACT

A helmet comprises an outer shell, a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position and a movable bridge that is positionable against a user&#39;s face. The visor moves along an arc-shaped track and/or a pivot from a position stored within the helmet shell to a deployed position in front of the face and the bridge is moved against the user&#39;s face. The helmet and integrated bridge assembly provides a seal from the visor to the user&#39;s face, thus protecting the face against wind and other debris.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/843,407, filed Jul. 7, 2013, entitled “HELMET WITH RETRACTABLE VISOR AND BRIDGE,” and the co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/911,570, filed Dec. 4, 2013, entitled “HELMET WITH RETRACTABLE VISOR AND BRIDGE,” which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an integrated helmet assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a helmets with an integrated goggle and bridge assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Helmets are available in many different styles and configurations depending upon the desired application. Properly designed and fitted helmets absorb much of an impact that may otherwise cause injury. A protective layer within an outer shell of the helmet cushions the blow in order to absorb energy that may otherwise reach the head. Often, eye protection such as a pair of goggles or glasses is paired with the helmet in order to protect the eyes. However, if the eye protection does not properly fit the helmet wind and other elements may contact they head, eyes and face of the user. Additionally, it may be difficult to quickly remove and stow the eye protection if the user enters a darkened area or an area where the protection is no longer needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to an integrated helmet assembly comprising a visor and a bridge assembly. A control mechanism moves the visor and bridge assembly between a deployed position and a retracted position. As the visor and bridge assembly is moved to the deployed or down position, the bridge assembly is movable inward in order to form a seal with the user's face.

In one aspect, a helmet and visor assembly comprises a helmet shell, a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position and a boot and bridge assembly that provides a seal against a face when the visor is in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the boot and bridge assembly is substantially horizontally and vertically movable. In some embodiments, the helmet shell comprises a squeegee positioned to wipe the visor when it is moved. In further embodiments, the helmet shell comprises one or more anti fog pads positioned to wipe the visor when it is moved. The visor is located within the helmet shell when it is in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the boot and bridge assembly comprises a flexible boot for maintaining the seal with the face. In some embodiments, the motion of the visor and boot bridge assembly is controlled by one or more trolleys running in tracks on control arms. In further embodiments, the motion of the visor and boot bridge assembly is controlled by flexible actuator bars synchronized by a pinion gear. Particularly, the bridge boot assembly can be held in the retracted position and the deployed position by a spring. The boot bridge assembly is vertically adjustable independent of its tracks. In some embodiments, the visor moves on an arc-shaped track. Alternatively, the visor pivots from the retracted position to the deployed position. In some embodiments, the helmet comprises one of a ski helmet, a snowboard helmet, a motorcycle helmet, an all-terrain vehicle (atv) helmet, a water sports helmet, a climbing helmet, and a bicycle helmet.

In another aspect, a control mechanism for a helmet and visor comprises a tab for moving the visor between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein the tab moves the visor along a L-shaped track between the deployed position and the retracted position and a latch for holding the visor in one of the retracted position and the deployed position. The control mechanism comprises a cable and the visor and bridge are moved in sequence by the cable. Particularly, the visor and bridge move circumferentially together and the bridge moves radially on its own, while the visor is locked in place. Additionally, a left and a right cable motion is synchronized. In some embodiments, the cable is routed in a figure eight shape pattern within the helmet shell. In some embodiments, the helmet comprises one of a ski helmet, a snowboard helmet, a motorcycle helmet, an atv helmet, a water sports helmet, a climbing helmet, and a bicycle helmet.

In a further aspect, a visor assembly configured for coupling with a helmet comprises a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, a control mechanism for moving the visor between the retracted position and the deployed position, and a bridge boot assembly coupled to the visor and configured for providing a seal against a face when the visor is in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the visor assembly comprises an aftermarket visor assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a visor and boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a control trolley assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a control trolley assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a left side helmet profile cross section in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a right side view of a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cut-away left side view of a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11A illustrates a rear view of a helmet an actuator assembly and pinion in a retracted position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11B illustrates a rear view of a helmet an actuator assembly and pinion in a deployed position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates an above right side view of a helmet visor assembly and control and tension assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13A illustrates a cross section view of a helmet at mid-forehead and in a retracted position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13B illustrates a cross section view of a helmet at mid-forehead and in a deployed position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a control and tension assembly replaced with a single spring on pinion arrangement in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15A illustrates a single spring control and tension assembly in a fully retracted position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15B illustrates a single spring control and tension assembly in a partially deployed position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15C illustrates a single spring control and tension assembly as a bridge is pulled inward in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15D illustrates a single spring control and tension assembly in a fully deployed position and held in place by a spring in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16A illustrates a rear view of the actuator arms of the actuator assembly shortened and pulled together by an actuator tension spring with the lens in a retracted position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16B illustrates a rear view of the actuator arms of the actuator assembly shortened and pulled together by an actuator tension spring with the lens in a deployed position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a modification to the mechanical shroud in order to create a top latch effect in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate cables moving a roller bearing and retraction arm through channels on the side of a helmet in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21A illustrates a schematic view of the cable moving a roller bearing in a retracted position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21B illustrates a schematic view of the cable moving a roller bearing in a deployed position in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates the cable moving a roller bearing and retraction arm from the center rear of the helmet and utilizing a single rack pinion in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates the cable moving a roller bearing and retraction arm from the center rear of the helmet and utilizing shortened actuator arms pulled together by an actuator tension spring in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 24A illustrates a schematic view showing the movement of bridge tracks modified in order to accommodate a cable by creating grooves within the tracks in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 24B illustrates a schematic view showing the movement of bridge tracks modified in order to accommodate a cable by creating grooves within the tracks in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 24C illustrates a schematic view showing the movement of bridge tracks modified in order to accommodate a figure eight shaped cable in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 25A illustrates a schematic view showing a hydraulic actuation of roller bearings in the deployed state in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 25B illustrates a schematic view showing a hydraulic actuation of roller bearings in the deployed state in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 26 illustrates a control mechanism for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 27A illustrates a front view of a center control for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 27B illustrates a side view of a center control for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 27C illustrates a side view of a center control comprising a cover for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 28 illustrates a back view of a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly with a control mechanism in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 29 illustrates a visor assembly for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates a helmet shell for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 31 illustrates a visor assembly for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 32A illustrates a side view of a control mechanism for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 32B illustrates a side view of a control mechanism for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 33-34B illustrate a control mechanism for a helmet with a visor and bridge boot assembly in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that any features from any embodiment can be combined with any features from any other embodiment. In this fashion, hybrid configurations of the disclosed embodiments are well within the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a helmet with an integrated bridge and visor assembly. A helmet comprises an outer shell, a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position and a movable bridge that is positionable against a user's face. The visor moves along an arc shaped track and/or a pivot from a position stored within the helmet shell to a deployed position in front of the face and the bridge is moved against the user's face. The helmet and integrated bridge assembly provides a seal from the visor to the user's face, thus protecting the face and eyes against wind and other debris.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a helmet with an integrated bridge and visor assembly is depicted therein. As shown within FIGS. 1-7, the helmet with an integrated bridge and visor assembly 100 comprises a helmet shell 101, a visor assembly 200, a bridge boot assembly 300, and an interior protective layer 104. In some embodiments, the helmet comprises one of a ski helmet, a snowboard helmet, a motorcycle helmet, an atv helmet, a water sports helmet, a climbing helmet, and a bicycle helmet.

The helmet shell 101 comprises left and right visor tracks 110, left and right bridge tracks 120, left and right bridge latch strike plates 140, a visor bay 150 for the retracted visor 200, a top of helmet eye opening 170, and a gap 190 for the retracted bridge boot assembly 300 and the lower visor. In some embodiments, the helmet 100 also comprises a squeegee 130, upper anti-fog pads 161 and lower anti-fog pads 162.

As particularly shown in FIG. 2, the visor assembly 200 comprises a visor shield 210, control arms 220 and track bearings 230. The control arms 200 comprise a bridge trolley track 221, a bridge latch tab 222, a strap anchor dowel 223, and a strap bearing dowel 224.

The bridge boot assembly 300 comprises a bridge 310, a left and right control trolley assembly 320, a boot 330, and a left and a right elastic strap loop 304. The bridge 310 comprises a body 311, left and right trolley connectors 312, left and right vertical adjustment tabs 313, left and right deployment tabs 314, and a face sealing foam 315. Each of the left and right control trolley assemblies 320 comprises a chassis 321, a front trolley roller bearing 322, a rear trolley roller bearing 323, a front dowel pin 324, a rear dowel pin 325, a bridge track roller bearing 326, a bridge connector 327, and a strap dowel 328.

The interior protective layer 104 is surrounded by a rigid helmet shell 101. In some embodiments, the interior protective layer 104 comprises expanded polystyrene (EPS) protective foam. However, the interior protective layer 104 is able to comprise any appropriate shock absorbing material as desired. The visor 200 is retractable into a visor bay 150 between the outer shell 101 and the interior protective layer 104. In some embodiments, the visor bay 150 between the shell 101 and the interior protective layer 104 comprises ¼ inches. However, the visor bay 150 is able to comprise various thicknesses depending upon the visor 200, the interior protective layer 104 and the outer shell 101. The assembly of the visor 200 and the bridge boot assembly 300 can travel together between the retracted position and the deployed position in an arc shaped rotation. At the bottom of the arc, the bridge 310 moves inwardly to form a seal with a user's face. The boot 330 maintains a seal with the user's face in order to keep air, moisture and other debris away from the user's face and eyes. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the assembly of the visor 200 and the bridge boot assembly 300 pivots between the retracted position and the deployed position. In some embodiments, the squeegee 130 molded into the helmet shell 101 removes unwanted moisture, snow and other debris from the visor when it is retracted and deployed. In some embodiments, the helmet 100 comprises one or more vents for introducing airflow throughout the helmet and to reduce moisture and/or fogging. In some embodiments, the one or more vents are closeable.

In some embodiments, the visor tracks 110, the bridge tracks 120, and a squeegee 130 are molded into or affixed to the inside of the helmet shell 101. The remaining components form the assembly which rides within the visor tracks 110 and the bridge tracks 120.

In some embodiments, the boot 330 comprises a flexible membrane that connects a bottom of the visor 200 to the bridge body 311. The bridge 310 can be coupled to the bridge control trolley 320, which rides in the visor bridge control arm trolley track 221 by way of the front trolley roller bearing 322 and the rear trolley roller bearing 323 and is pulled inwardly and toward the user's face by the elastic strap loops 340. Although, elastic strap loops 340 are used to pull the bridge 310 to the user's face, any appropriate structure is able to be used in order to move the bridge 310 against the user's face.

As further discussed below, the left and right control trolley assemblies 320 also ride in the left and right bridge tracks 120.

As described above, in some embodiments, the visor 200 comprises the visor shield 210, visor bearings 230 and visor control arms 220, which are molded or otherwise affixed to each other. The visor shield 210 comprise a lens and supporting structure for the lens. In some embodiments the lens is removable and/or replaceable without removing the visor 200. The control arms 220 provide a track for the left and right control trolley assemblies 320. The bridge latch tabs 222 hold the control trolley assemblies 320 and the bridge 310 in the forward position while the visor 200 is retracted or not deployed. The control arm strap anchor dowels 223 hold the elastic strap loops 340 in place. The control arm strap bearing dowel 224 facilitates a smooth motion of the elastic around the control arms 220.

In some embodiments, the bridge body 311 is constructed of a flexible material that is designed to conform to the shape of the visor shield 210 when the bridge 310 is pushed forward, and designed to conform to the contour of a human face, such as over the bridge of the nose and extending along the cheeks such as the bottom of a typical goggle, when deployed. As described above, the bridge 310 is deployed by pulling the elastic straps 340 back toward a user's face. The control trolley connectors 312 connect the bridge 310 to the control trolley 320 so that a height of the bridge is adjustable with respect to the user's face by utilizing the bridge vertical adjustment tabs 313. The bridge deployment tabs 314 facilitate deploying and retracting the visor and/or minor vertical adjustment of the bridge 310 on the user's face. In some embodiments, a face sealing foam 315 provides an improved comfort and seal for the user's face.

The chassis 321 of the control trolley assembly 320 mates with the bridge control trolley connector 312 through the control trolley bridge connector 327 and accommodates the front trolley bearings 322 and the rear trolley bearings 323. The front trolley bearings 322 and the rear trolley bearings 323 run on the visor control arm bridge trolley track 221 and the control trolley bridge roller bearings 326 which run in the bridge tracks 326.

To use the helmet, a user puts on the helmet 100 with the visor 200, the bridge boot assembly 300, and all other parts of the helmet 100 in a retracted or up position, over the forehead and mostly or entirely covered by the helmet shell 101. The visor assembly 200 is held in the up position by the bridge track roller bearings 326 which are moved to the up position where they are preferably locked into the detents 121 at the top of the bridge track 120. The bridge and boot assembly 330 is held tightly forward by the bridge latch tabs 222, which are pushed in by the contour of the latch strike plates 140.

To deploy the visor 200, the user pulls on the deployment tabs 314. The bridge track roller bearings 326 break free from the detents 121, and the visor 200 descends. In some embodiments, the squeegee material 130 and pressure is selected in order to provide a light resistance. Once the visor bearings 230 reach the bottom of the helmet visor tracks 110, the control trolley bridge track roller bearings 326 reach a horizontal contour of the bridge track 120 and the bridge latch tab 222 reaches a point of contour on the bridge latch strike plate 140 such that pressure is released and the bridge control trolley 320 is free to move inward. As a result, the entire bridge assembly 300, and the control trolley assembly 320 are pulled inwardly toward the user's face by the elastic strap loops 340. Consequently, the boot 330, which maintains a seal between the visor 200 and the bridge 300, expands. The velocity of this motion is controlled by friction between the control track roller bearing 322 and the control track roller bearing 323 and the visor bridge trolley track 221. The end result forms a seal from the visor 200 to the user's face through the boot 330, the bridge body 310 and the bridge face sealing foam 315.

In some embodiments, the bridge 310 is constructed of a flexible material, such that it conforms to the shape of the visor shield 210 when the visor 200 is not fully deployed, such as when the visor 200 is up and while the visor 200 is being pulled down, until or just before the bottom of the motion, and very closely conforms to the face when inwards and in a down or deployed position.

In some embodiments, the bridge 310 can be adjusted up or down by pulling and/or pushing on the vertical adjustment tabs 313. Although this can cause some slippage between the bridge control trolley connectors 312 and the control trolley bridge connector 327, this controlled slippage can be minimized by having a high friction in the interface of these parts. For example, in some embodiments, slippage can be controlled by utilizing serrated mating surfaces.

To raise the visor 200, a user pushes the bridge 310 outward. For example, in some embodiments, the bridge 310 is pushed outward by the bridge deployment tabs 314. Then, the visor 200 can be pushed upward until the bridge track roller bearings 326 engage the bridge track detents 121, such as described above. As the visor 200 is moved upward, the squeegee 130 removes excess moisture and other debris from the visor shield 210. For example, in some embodiments, the squeegee 130 removes excess snow, rain, debris, and/or ice from the visor shield 210. The visor shield 210 ascends into the visor bay 150 between the helmet shell 101 and the inner protective layer 140. In some embodiments, the anti-fog pad 161 and the anti-fog pad 162 apply an anti-fog solution and additional protection to the visor shield 210 when it is in the visor bay 150.

In some embodiments, the helmet shell 101 extends lower than the inner protective area 140, as illustrated by the difference between the top of the helmet eye opening 170 and the typical top of a helmet eye opening 180. This creates a bridge gap 190 that completely or partially obscures parts of the bridge boot assembly 300 and the lower edge of the visor shield 210, that may otherwise be visible from the outside of the helmet 100 when the visor 200 is in the up or retracted position. Lowering the helmet shield increases the protection to the user and improves the aesthetics of helmet 100 as the visor 200 appears smaller from an outside of the helmet 100 in the down or deployed position and the visor 200 and bridge boot assembly 300 disappear in the up or retracted position.

In further embodiments, a cable system 1100, such as described further below can be used with the helmet 100, moving the bridge track roller bearings 326 to move the visor 200 and bridge boot assembly 330 between the retracted and the deployed position. Spring pressure pulling on the roller bearings 326 can result in pressure on the face. As shown within FIGS. 24A and 24B, the motion of the roller bearings 326 is not purely linear. They bearings 326 move in an arc joined by a straight section at an angle, such as 90 degrees. This is also seen in the left and right bridge tracks 126, such as described above.

The bridge tracks can be modified to accommodate the cable 1110, by forming grooves within the tracks. The groove can comprise a radius at the 90 degree corner, in order to create a smoother bearing surface for the cable to run in and cable housings can be used to route the cable 1110 along the sides and rear of the helmet 100, such as described above. The cable 1110 is coupled to the control trolley assembly 320 to control the motion of the visor 200 and the bridge boot assembly 300. The roller bearings 326 are synchronized so that movement, control, and tension of the bridge 330 is uniform to the left side and the right side of the helmet 100.

For example, in some embodiments, the roller bearings 326 can be modified by affixing the cable 1110 to the axles of the bearings and attaching them so that bearings 326 are at the same position, either fully up or fully down. Once the bearings 326 are attached, the left and right bearing motion can be synchronized and the cable 1110 may be used in order to control motion of the visor 200 and the boot bridge assembly 300.

In some embodiments, the movement of the visor 200 and bridge boot assembly 300 is controlled by a cable passing through L-shaped tracks and routed as a figure eight behind the helmet and passing over the wheel at the rear with an over center spring. As shown within FIG. 26, a control mechanism 2600 for the visor 200 and bridge boot assembly 300 comprises a cable 2610 routed as a figure eight at approximately the rear center of the helmet. The control mechanism 2600 comprises a center control 2630 for controlling the motion of the left side bearing 2615 and the right side bearing 2625 through the L-shaped visor tracks. The center control 2630 comprises a spring 2631 (comprising 2631A and 2631B), a control wheel 2632, a knob 2633, and a tension adjuster 2634. Preferably, the spring 2631 is formed in two segments, including an inelastic first section 2631A coupled to the control wheel 2632 and passing over the capstan 2635 and an elastic second section 2631B coupled between the inelastic first section and the tension adjuster 2634. The cable moves the bridge trolley through the horizontal section of the bridge tracks and vertically through vertical section of the bridge tracks, which pulls the visor 200 up, and to the retracted position. The wheel 2632 controls the motion of the visor 200 by movement of the knob 2633. The tension of the visor 200 in the retracted position is controlled by the over spring 2631, through the tension adjuster 2634. As the mechanism is moved to the deployed state, the same spring also controls the tension of the bridge inwardly against the face. The spring 2631 holds the wheel 2632 in the retracted position.

As shown within FIGS. 27A-27C, in some embodiments, the center control 2630 can be very compact in order to couple to the helmet 100 with minimal intrusion. For example, in some embodiments, the wheel 2632 comprises a diameter of approximately 80 mm, a wheel thickness of approximately 3 mm, and a total mechanical thickness approximately less than 10 mm. In some embodiments, the cable 2610 comprises a 0.75 mm nylon coated steel cable with a 40 kg strength. The knob 2633 and tension adjuster 2634 protrude through a cover plate to allow the user to manipulate the knob 2633 and tension adjuster 2634.

FIG. 28 illustrates a rear view of the helmet 100, which utilizes the control mechanism 2600. As shown within FIG. 28, the center control 2630 is in the approximately the back center of the helmet 2630. The knob 2632 is moved within the knob track 2636 in order to retract and deploy the visor 200 and the tension is controlled by the tension is controlled by the tension adjuster 2634.

With the control mechanism 2600, the control arms 220 of the visor 200 are eliminated, and the visor pivots by using nubs 2640 on a right side and a left side of the visor 200. A L-shaped bridge track 2650 coupled with the shell 101 is coupled to a cable which moves the visor between the retracted position and the deployed position. The cable pulls the both of the visor and bridge between the retracted and deployed positions. In some embodiments, the bridge track 2650 is molded directly into the helmet shell 101. As further shown in FIG. 31, the visor 200 also comprises a bridge receptacle 2660. The bridge trolley 635 runs along the bridge track 2650 and is coupled to the bridge 300. The bridge 300 is pulled into the visor 200, and is preferably pulled onto the bridge receptacle 2660, and up such that the visor 200 is pivoted up and back. In some embodiments, a latch mechanism holds the visor 200 down as the bridge is pulled inward and off of the bridge receptacle 2660.

The control mechanism 2600 and control knob 2632 moves the bearings 2615 and 2617 within the L-shaped track 2650 which pulls and pushes the trolleys horizontally in order to form a seal with the face and pivots the visor 200 up and to the retracted position, and also down and to the deployed position. The cable 2610 can be very small so that it is easily routed from the L-tracks to the control wheel and over bearing surfaces molded into the shell. Preferably, the cable 2610 is coupled to the control wheel at two points so that the control wheel moves the cable. Additionally, the cable can be routed so that it is able to avoid the sensitive parts of a user's ear. The control mechanism 2600 can be lighter, cheaper, easier to use, and more compatible with a half-helmet and squeegee.

In further embodiments, the control mechanism 2600 as controlled by a cable passing through the L-shaped tracks and routed as a figure eight behind the helmet is replaced by a figure eight cable which moves through the L-shaped tracks and runs over a top of the helmet. As shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B a control mechanism 2700 comprises a cable 2710, a cable tab 2711, an elastic band 2720, a control tab 2730, retract latch 2741, and a deploy latch 2742. The cable 2710 is under the shell 101, except for a vertical segment, which runs in a groove at a bottom of a slot 2750. As shown within FIGS. 33-34B, in some embodiments, the slot travels straight up and down and just in front of an ear hole at the side of the helmet 100. The slot 2750 carries the control tab 2730 coupled to the cable 2710. An elastic band 2720 also couples to the control tab 2730. As shown within FIG. 33, the control tab 2730 couples to a cable tab 2711 through the elastic band 2720. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the up and down motion can be reversed to deploy and retract the visor by modifying the construction.

The visor 200 and the bridge 300 is deployed by pulling down the control tab 2730 and the elastic band 2720 and latching it to a bottom of the shell 101 at the deployment latch 2742. (FIGS. 32A and 34A) The visor 200 and bridge 300 is retracted by unlatching the elastic band 2720 and pulling up on the control tab 2730. The control tab 2730 and elastic band 2720 is latched to the retract latch 2714 and held in the retracted position. (FIGS. 32B and 34B) The shape of each latch and the way they couple to the control tab 2730 enables it to be flipped over and latched on each side. In some embodiments, the control mechanism 2700 comprises a variety of latch locations in order to hold the visor 200 and bridge 300 in the retracted and deployed position.

In some embodiments, the cable 2710 runs directly behind the visor bay 150 in the figure eight formation. For example, in some embodiments, the visor 210 rotates to up approximately 70° to the retracted position, and the cable 2710 crosses above the visor 210 at approximately 75°. The cable 2710 generally runs on smooth bearing surfaces under the shell 101, however, the slot 2750, as described above, is exposed in order to move the control tab 2730. In some embodiments, the slot 2750 is approximately four inches in length. However, the slot 2750 is able to comprise any appropriate length required to move the visor 200 and bridge 300 between the retracted position and the deployed position. In some embodiments, the tension in the elastic band 2720 is adjustable.

Like the control mechanism 2600, the control mechanism 2700 uses a figure eight cable to move bearings within the L-shaped tracks, which pulls and pushes the bridge 300 horizontally in order to form a seal with the face and pivots the visor 200 up and to the retracted position, and also down and to the deployed position. The control mechanism 2700 couples to a deployment latch 2742 to hold the visor 200 and bridge 300 in the deployed position and couples to a retract latch 2741 in order to hold the visor 200 and bridge 300 in the retracted position. Simplifying the cable routing and the control of the visor and bridge reduces cost, is easy to use and reduces the over all size of the helmet.

In use, the helmet, visor, and boot bridge assembly move between a retracted and a deployed position. In the retracted position, the visor is fully protected inside the helmet shell and the bridge boot assembly is hidden from view. The visor and bridge boot assembly moves along a track from the retracted position to the deployed position, where the bridge conforms to the face of the user. The motion of the bridge is dictated by roller bearings along the inside tracks and is independently vertically adjustable to conform to the user's face. In some embodiments, the bridge is pulled by an elastic member within the helmet to provide a secure fit and to maximize the conformance of the bridge and boot assembly with the head and face shape of the user. Alternatively, such as described above, the elastic band couples to an outside of the helmet in order to provide the secure fit and to maximize the conformance of the bridge and boot assembly with the head and face shape of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an exploded view of a helmet with retractable visor and bridge is depicted therein. The helmet 400 is similar the to helmet 100 such as described above. The helmet 400 comprises a helmet shell 401, an actuator assembly 500, a visor assembly 600, and a control and tension assembly 700.

The helmet 400 comprises the helmet shell 401, a squeegee 411, a barrel adjustor divot 412, and a control tab slot 413. As further shown in FIG. 8, the helmet 400 comprises a left mechanical shroud 420 and right mechanical shroud 430. The left mechanical shroud 420 comprises an actuator track 421, a bridge retention track 422, a control arm bearing hole 423, and a retraction spring anchor 424. The right mechanical shroud 430 comprises an actuator track 431, a bridge retention track 432, a control arm bearing hole 433, and a latch area 434. The latch area 434 comprises a latch cavity 435, a latch arm cavity 436, a barrel adjuster bay 437, and a latch adjuster screw bay 438.

In some embodiments, flexible actuator arms 530 and 540 move within inside the helmet shell 401 and are synchronized by a pinion gear 520 to deploy and retract the visor assembly 600. The left actuator arm 530 and the right actuator arm 540 are coupled to the actuator assembly 500. The actuator assembly 500 comprises an actuator shroud 510, an actuator pinion gear 520, a left actuator arm 530 and a right actuator arm 540. The left actuator arm 530 comprises a plurality of rack gears 531, a roller bearing 532, a retractor spring arm 533, and a retractor spring 534. The right actuator arm 540 comprises a plurality of rack gears 541, a roller bearing 542, a control spring arm 543, and a control spring 544.

Although the actuator arms 530 and 540 may appear straight within FIG. 8, they are configured to bend to fit in a u-shaped channel between the helmet shell 401 and the actuator shroud 510. At the rear of the shroud 510, the right actuator arm 540 runs beneath the pinion gear 520 with its rack teeth 541, and the left actuator arm 530 passes above the pinion gear 520 with its rack teeth 531 engaged.

As described above, in some embodiments, the visor assembly 600 is deployed and retracted by the flexible actuator arms 530 and 540. In some embodiments, the visor assembly 600 comprises a lens 610, a left and right control arm 620, a bridge and boot assembly 630, and a left and right axle 640. The left and right control arm 620, each comprise a forward trolley slot 621, a rear control slot 622 and a pivot bearing hole 623. The bridge boot assembly 630 comprises a nose bridge 631, a flexible boot 632 with a boot lip 636, a face foam 633, a left and right male ratchet connector 634, and a left and right trolley 635. The left and right trolley 635 each comprise a female connector 637, a control arm connector flange 638 with a bridge track pin 639, and a roller bearing connector hole 641.

In some embodiments, the visor assembly 600 is further controlled by a control and tension assembly 700 which moves the flexible actuator arms 530 and 540 from a retracted state to a deployed state, and can hold the flexible actuator arms 530 and 540 in the deployed state in order to provide constant pressure of the boot and bridge assembly 630 to the user's face. The control and tension assembly 700 comprises a control tab 710, and a latch assembly 720. The control tab 710 comprises a control spring interface 711, a thumb surface 712, and a male latch striker 713. The latch assembly 720 comprises a latch 721, an enclosure 722, an adjustment arm 723, an adjustment screw 724 and a barrel adjuster 727. The adjustment screw 724 comprises a c-clip 725 and an anti-rotation head 726.

In some embodiments, the helmet 400 further comprise an inner interior protective layer 804 underneath the helmet shell 401. In some embodiments, the interior protective layer 804 comprises expanded polystyrene (EPS) protective foam. However, the interior protective layer 804 is able to comprise any appropriate material capable of protecting a user's head from impact. Between the interior protective layer 804 and the shell 401, the helmet comprises a visor bay 810, a bridge bay gap 820, a left actuator channel 830 and a right actuator channel 840. In some embodiments, the visor bay 810 comprises a top anti-fog pad 811 and a bottom anti-fog pad 812.

The outer shell 401 of the helmet surrounds the interior protective layer 804 and the visor assembly 600. The visor assembly 600 rotates in an arc rotational motion from a deployed or down position to a retracted or up position where the visor assembly 600 is stored with the visor bay 810. In some embodiments, the visor bay 810 comprises ¼ inch gap. However, the visor bay 810 is able to comprise any appropriate thickness as dictated by the visor assembly 600, the interior protective layer 800 and the outer shell 401. In the deployed or down position, the bridge 631 can move inwardly in order to form a seal with a user's face. The connective membrane boot 632 can maintain this seal in order to keep air and moisture away from the user's face and causing the user's eyes to tear.

The visor assembly 600 can be controlled by the control and tension assembly 700 which moves the flexible actuator arms 530 and 540 from a retracted state to a deployed state, and can hold the flexible actuator arms 530 and 540 in the deployed state in order to provide constant pressure of the boot and bridge assembly 630 to the user's face. The flexible actuator arms 530 and 540 can move inside the helmet shell 401 and can be synchronized by the pinion gear 520 in order to deploy and retract the visor assembly 600. As described above, in some embodiments, a squeegee 411 is molded into an inside of the helmet shell 401 is order to remove unwanted moisture and debris from an outside of the visor 610 when it is retracted.

In some embodiments, the left mechanical shroud 420 and the right mechanical shroud 430 and the squeegee 411 are molded into, or otherwise affixed to an inside of the helmet shell 401.

The actuator shroud 510 can be affixed to the inside of the helmet shell 401, forming a channel running around the rear circumference of the shell 402, between the helmet shell 401 and the interior protective layer 804. In some embodiments, the pinion gear 520 spins on an axle at the rear end of the actuator shroud 510. In some embodiments there is a channel within the interior protective layer 804 at the left end of the actuator shroud 530 and the right end of the actuator shroud 540, passing through the interior protective layer 800 and connecting the left mechanical shroud 420 and the right mechanical shroud 430.

In some embodiments, the rack gear 531 of the left actuator arm 530 and the rack gear 541 of the right actuator comprise teeth near the rear end and comprise bearings 532 and 542 and one or more spring connectors 533 and 543 near the opposite end. The actuator arms 530 and 540 can run from the pinion gear 520 at the rear of the actuator shroud 510 around and forward through the actuator channels 830 and 840 of the interior protective layer 804 and through the actuator tracks in the mechanical shrouds 420 and 430. In some embodiments, the teeth of the right rack gear 541 are on its top back side and engage the pinion 520 from below, and the teeth of the left rack gear 531 are on a bottom back side and thus, engage the pinion gear 520 from above. The left and right roller bearings 532 and 542 can be attached to the left and right actuator arms 530 and 540 so that they travel back and forth along the left and right actuator arms 530 and 540 in unison, such that the motion is synchronized by the right rack gear 541 and the left rack gear 531 above and below the pinion gear 520. In some embodiments, the left actuator arm 530 is coupled to the left arm retractor spring 533 through the retractor spring arm 535. The left retractor spring 534 can be coupled to the left mechanical shroud spring anchor 424. In some embodiments, the right actuator arm 540 comprises a control spring 544 that couples from the control spring arm 543 to the control tab spring interface connector 711.

In some embodiments, the control and tension assembly 700 is on a right side of the helmet 400, within the cavity between the mechanical shroud 434 and the helmet shell 401. The control tab 710 can couple to the control spring 544. In some embodiments, the control tab 710 moves back and forth within a track in the helmet shell control tab slot 413. The control tab 710 can be held in place by a latch 721. For example, in some embodiments, the control tab 710 is held in place by a push-push latch. The latch 721 can be affixed within the latch assembly housing 720 that is movable to a left and right within the latch cavity 441. In some embodiments, the motion of the latch 721 is modified by the barrel adjuster 727, which moves the adjustment screw 724, which can be coupled to the latch assembly housing 720. The barrel adjuster 727 can be exposed to the outside of the helmet through an indentation within the helmet shell 401 at the barrel adjuster divot 412.

In some embodiments, the visor assembly 600 is affixed to the helmet shell through left and right axles 640 that pass through the bearing holes 623 of the left and right visor control arms 620 and the left and right helmet shell mechanical shrouds 423 and 433.

The left and right visor control arms 620 can be coupled to the left and right ends of the visor lens 610. In some embodiments, the visor lens 610 is coupled so that it is removable and/or replaceable. The visor control arms 620 can also be coupled to the nose bridge 631 and bridge boot assembly 630. For example, each control arm comprises a forward trolley slot 621 and a rear control slot 622. The left and right bridge trolleys 635 can be coupled through the forward slot 621 and the rear slot 622, such that the bridge trolleys 635 are slidable along the control arms 620. Each bridge trolley 635 can comprise a control arm connector flange 638 that allows the trolley 635 to slide back and forth in the control arm slot without falling out. Each trolley 635 can also comprise a roller bearing connector hole 641. For each trolley 635, an axle 640 can pass through the roller bearing connector hole 641 and through the left and right actuator roller bearings 632 and 642 and through the corresponding left and right actuator arms 630 and 640.

In some embodiments, the bridge trolleys 635 each comprise female ratchet connectors 634 that mate with the left and right bridge boot assembly male ratchet connectors 634 in order to attach and enable a vertical adjustment of the bridge 631.

In some embodiments, in addition to the bridge trolley flanges 638 riding in the forward trolley slots 621 of the control arms 620, pins on the end of the flanges 639 extend further into the helmet shell 401, such that when the visor assembly 600 ascends, it extends into a track that constrains a motion of the nose bridge 631. These are the left and right bridge retention tracks 422 and 432 and function similarly to a cam.

In some embodiments, the bridge 631 of the bridge boot assembly 630 comprises a thin strip of semi-rigid material that conforms to a user's face under the user's eyes and across the nose bridge, such as a typical goggle. For example, in some embodiments the bridge 631 comprises polyurethane. However, the bridge 631 can comprise any appropriate material capable of conforming to the user's face and forming a seal. In some embodiments, a flexible boot 632 is coupled to or integrated with the bridge 631. The flexible boot 632 can couple to an area that can be at or near the bottom of the visor through a boot lip 636. As described above, the boot 632 can be flexible in order to allow the bridge 631 to move in and out and toward and away from the user's face, while preventing moisture and debris from contacting the user's eyes and controlling airflow for ventilation.

As described in relation to the helmet 100, when the helmet 400 is not in use, the visor assembly 600 is typically in an up or retracted position. After the helmet is placed on a user's head, the visor assembly 600 can be moved to the deployed or down position by moving the control tab 712 backwards along the helmet shell 401. This causes the visor lens 610 to descend and the nose bridge 631 to move inwardly toward the user's face. The user can then move the barrel adjuster 425 in order to change the bridge 631 tension against the face. Additionally, the bridge 631 can be adjusted vertically by moving the left and right ratchet connectors 634 up and down.

In order to best achieve the above motion, the movement of the left actuator roller bearing 532 and the right actuator roller bearing 542 is preferably synchronized. As described above, the roller bearings 532 and 542 are coupled to the left and right actuator arms 530 and 540, which comprise the rack gears 531 and 541 that run on the single and shared pinion gear 520. Accordingly, any force on or motion of one of the roller bearings forward causes the opposite roller bearing to move in the same direction and for the same distance.

The left roller bearing 532 and the right roller bearing 542 move forward and back as constrained by the connection to the left actuator arm 530 running within left actuator track 421 of the left mechanical shroud 420 and the right actuator arm 540 running within the right actuator track 431 of the right mechanical shroud 430. The roller bearings 532 and 542 move within the rear control slot 622 of the left and right control arm 620. When the roller bearings 532 and 542 are in the forward position 600, the visor assembly 600 can be pushed upwards due to the curvature of the rear control slot 622. As the roller bearings 532 and 542 move backward, the visor assembly 600 descends to the deployed or downward position where it can be held down. Additionally, as the roller bearings 532 and 542 move backward, the bridge 631 can be pulled inward because the roller bearings 532 and 542 are connected to the bridge trolleys 635 at the roller bearing connector holes 641. The backward motion pulls the bridge 631 inward to the user's face, causing the flexible boot 632 to expand inward from where it can be connected to the visor assembly 600 at the boot lip 636.

As described above, forward and backward pressure on one of the actuator arms 530 and 540 can cause the same or similar motion on the opposite arm via the pinion gear 520. This force is transferred to the roller bearings 532 and 542, the circumferential motion of the visor assembly 600, and the motion of the bridge boot assembly 630.

In some embodiments, the retractor spring 534 applies a constant forward tension on the left actuator arm 530, which, as described above, creates a constant pressure on the actuator arms and the roller bearings pulling the bridge boot assembly 630 out and the visor assembly 600 upward and to the retracted position.

The control and tension assembly 700 allows the user to move the visor assembly 600 between the retracted and deployed position and alter the position of the bridge boot assembly 630 against the user's face. The user can move the control tab 710 backward in the control tab slot 413 until it is locked into place by the control tab latch 721. As the control tab 710 is moved backward, the control spring 544 is pulled backward, which acts to pull the right actuator arm 640 back, causing both actuator arms 630 and 640 to move back, thus moving the visor assembly 600, such as described above. In some embodiments, when the control spring 644 is moved it overcomes the opposing force of the retractor spring 634.

The latch 721 resides in the latch housing assembly 720, such as described above. The latch 721 moves forward and backward within the latch housing assembly 720 in order to adjust the bridge boot assembly 630 and to accommodate variations in facial characteristics and achieve a desired bridge 631 pressure. In some embodiments, the adjustment can be done by turning the latch barrel adjuster 725, which moves the latch adjustment screw 724. The anti rotation head 726 on a front of the adjustment screw 724 can prevent twisting, while allowing the forward and backward motion. In some embodiments, the back of the adjustment screw 724 is coupled the latch 721 by a c-clip 725.

In some embodiments, the control and tension assembly 700, is replaced with a single spring on pinion arrangement 900 that can hold the visor assembly 600 in the deployed and retracted position. The single spring pinion arrangement 900 comprises a spring pinion 910, a spring rack 920, a spring lug 930, a spring 940, and a spring anchor 950.

A spring pinion gear 910 can be an enlarged version of a main pinion gear 520, such as described above, used with an appropriately sized actuator shroud and actuator bars. Alternatively, the spring pinion gear 910 can be in addition to the main pinion gear 520. The auxiliary spring rack 920 can be added to one of the actuator arms in order to engage with the spring pinion gear 910. The spring lug 930 can protrude from the spring pinion gear 910 in order to hold one end of the pinion spring 940. The other end of the pinion spring 940 is held by the spring anchor 950. The spring anchor 950 and the spring lug 930 is high enough in order to hold the spring 940 without interference from the surrounding parts. The actuator bars 530 and 540, and the actuator shroud 510 and the helmet shell 401 are necessarily modified in order to incorporate the spring on pinion arrangement 900.

The single spring on pinion arrangement 900, pulls the bridge 631 to the user's face, and holds the boot bridge assembly 630 and the visor 600 in the retracted or up position. The spring pinion gear 910 is engaged to a spring rack 920 and can be sized so that the entire travel along the spring racks 920 translates to less than one revolution of the spring pinion gear 910. For example, in some embodiments, the spring racks 920 are approximately three inches in length and the spring pinion gear has a diameter of one to one and a half inches. As described above, in some embodiments, the pinion gear 910 is utilized in addition to the main pinion gear 520, such as described above. Alternatively, the pinion gear comprises the main gear pinion only.

As further described above, the spring 940 is coupled to a lug 930 on the pinion gear 910 at one end and the spring 940 is held by the spring anchor 950 at the other end. In some embodiments, the spring anchor 950 couples the spring 940 to the actuator shroud 510. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the spring anchor 950 couples the spring 940 to the helmet shell 401 or another point on the helmet 400. In some embodiments, the anchor point for the spring 940 is movable and/or adjustable in order to alter the tension of the spring 940. In some embodiments when the lens 600 is fully retracted the spring pinion gear 910 is at one of the extreme left end or the extreme right end of its rotation.

In some embodiments, as shown within FIGS. 15A-15C, the location of the spring attachment lug 930 is chosen so that in the fully retracted position it is relatively near the spring anchor point 950, and as the lens 600 is deployed, the lug 930 moves further from the anchor point 950 and the tension of the spring 940 increases. The spring 940 tension reaches its maximum when the lug 930 is rotated to its furthest distance from the anchor point 950. Beyond this point, the spring 940 tension decreases until the maximum deployed position is reached.

With the single spring on pinion arrangement 900, the visor 600 can be pulled from the retracted position and the boot bridge assembly 630 is pulled inward until the visor 600 and boot bridge 630 are held in place by the pressure of the spring 940 and in the deployed position. From the deployed position, the boot bridge 630 can be pulled from the face and the visor 600 is pushed up and back until the visor 600 and boot bridge 630 are held in place by the pressure of the spring 940 and in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the spring 940 tension is adjustable by using a barrel adjuster or similar mechanism. In some embodiments, the spring on pinion arrangement 900 is adjusted so that the loosest spring 940 tension pulls and holds the visor 600 in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the boot bridge assembly 630 comprises one or more handles for manually deploying and retracting the visor 600 and boot bridge 630.

In further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the actuator arms 530 and 540 are shortened at the back ends and the racks are removed and the bars are pulled together by an actuator tension spring 1010. The bridge retention tracks in 420 in the left and right mechanical shrouds are modified as shown in FIG. 17 in order to form a latch. The latch operates the left and right trolley bridge 635 control arm connector pins 639 in the fully retracted position when the actuator arms 530 and 540 are held under tension of the spring 1010. With the actuator arms 530 and 540 under tension, the user manually pushes the bridge 630 up and forward to deploy the lens 600 and boot bridge assembly 630.

In place of the control and tension assembly 700, the actuator tension spring 1010, pulls the bridge 631 to the user's face, and holds the boot bridge assembly 630 and the visor 600 in the retracted or up position. As described above, the actuator arms 530 and 540 are simplified by moving the rack gears 531 and 541 and shortened in order to accommodate the spring 1010 between the actuator arms 530 and 540. In some embodiments, the spring 1010 tension is adjustable. The spring tension 1010 pulls the visor 600 and boot bridge assembly 630 to the deployed position and the visor 600 and boot bridge assembly 630 can be held in the retracted position by a change at a top of the bridge control tracks 422 and 432, which creates a latching mechanism. As shown in FIG. 17, the change can create cul-de-sac shaped top latch 1020 that the bridge trolley flange pins 639 can be pulled into by the spring 1010 pressure. The bridge control tracks 422 and 432 can function as cams that control the forward and backward motion of the bridge.

In use, the user releases the latch 1020 by pushing the bridge 630 upwards and outwards and then the visor 600 and boot bridge assembly 630 can be pulled to the fully deployed state. From the fully deployed state, the user can push the bridge 630 outwardly and the visor 600 upwardly to the fully retracted position where the visor assembly 600 and boot bridge assembly 630 are held by the latch 1020 in the latched position.

In some embodiments, the actuator assembly 500 is replaced with a cable system 1100 that uses its own roller bearings. As shown in FIG. 18-21B, the cable system 1100 comprises a cable 1110, which runs in a figure eight formation, cable housing 1120, a control arm assembly 1130, and a retraction arm assembly 1140. The cable housing 1120 comprises a left and a right u-turn 1121 at each end of the figure eight and a middle cable housing crossing section 1122. The control arm assembly 1130 comprises a tube 1131, a roller bearing 1132, a control arm 1133, a control spring 1134, and an interference area 1135. The tube 1131 comprises a forward set screw 1136 and a rear set screw 1137 and the cable 1110 passes through and is affixed to the tube 1131. The retraction arm assembly 1140 comprises a tube 1141, a roller bearing 1142, a retraction arm 1143, and a retraction spring 1144. The tube 1141 comprises a set screw 1145.

The actuator arms 530 and 540 are replaced by the cable 1110 that runs in the figure eight formation. The cable 1110 moves in the curved cable housing 1120 so that the cable 1110 moves with relatively low friction. As described above, the cable 1110 forms a left and a right u turn 1121 at each end of the figure eight and crosses in the middle 1122.

The control spring arm 543 and retraction spring arm 533 are replaced with sections of tube 1131 and 1141 that the cable 1110 passes through and is affixed by a forward set screw 1136 and a rear set screw 1137 or crimping. The control arms 1133 and 1143 extend down from the tubes and the roller bearings 1132 and 1142 can be affixed by axles to the tubes.

The loop of cable 1110 can be created by beginning and ending within the same tube. For example, the cable 1110 begins in the control arm tube 1131 and passes through the entire figure eight, including the retraction arm tube 1141, and ending back in the control arm tube 1131, where it is held by the forward set screw 1136 and the rear set screw 1137. Any potential interference between the sections of tube 1131 and 1141 and the cable 1110 can be eliminated by altering the plane of the cable housing 1120 or by creating a dogleg or hole in the control arm that the conflicting cable 1110 passes through. The control spring 1134 can couple the control arm 1130 to the control tab 710 and the retractor spring 1144 can couple the retractor arm 1140 to the retractor spring anchor 424 in the left mechanical shroud 420. Accommodations can be made in the mechanical shrouds 420 and 430 to allow bare cable to pass in the sections and to hold the cable housing 1120, 1121, and 1122.

With the cable system 1100 in place of the actuator assembly 500, the cable 1110 runs in a figure eight, on its side, with the left and right loop ends 1121 somewhat forward of the needed travel of the cable-modified roller bearings 1132 and 1142. For example, the left and right loop ends 1121 are forward of the control slots 621 in each control arm 1133 and 1143 when in the deployed position and within the left mechanical shroud 420 and the right mechanical shroud 430. The figure eight configuration can cause the forward and backward motion of the left roller bearing 1132 and the right roller bearing 1142 to synchronize, such as described above. In some embodiments, the cable 1010 runs bare through a channel within the left mechanical shroud 420 and the right mechanical shroud 430 similar to the motion through the actuator tracks 421 and 431.

A variety of control mechanisms can be used with the cable system, including the control and tension assembly 700. In this case, a component similar to the right control arm between the roller bearing hole and control spring arm, from 542 to 543 can be affixed to the cable 1110, and use a spring, such as the spring 544. The tube 1131 can attach to the cable 1110 in the shown area on a right side of the helmet, which can have a control spring arm 1133, and can also hold the roller bearing 1142 via an axle. Similarly, in some embodiments, the retraction system can be replaced with a tube affixed to the cable 1110 on the left side of the helmet, comprising the retraction spring 1144, the retraction spring arm 1143, and the roller bearing 1142. As described above, the cable 1110 can be held in the loop be the forward set screw 1136 and the rear set screw 1137.

With the cable system 1100, the user puts on the helmet 400 with the visor 600 in the retracted state. The visor 600 and bridge boot assembly 630 then can be deployed by pulling the control tab 710 backwards to the latch 721. This pulls the control spring 1134, which pulls the control arm 1133 backward and cause the left roller bearing 1132 and the right roller bearing 1142 to move backward. The motion of the roller bearings 1132 and 1142 causes the visor 600 to descend the bridge boot assembly 1130 to approach the user's face, where the bridge and boot assembly 630 is held in tension against the face by the control spring 1134. To retract the visor 600 and bridge boot assembly 630, the user unlatches the control tab 710, and the retraction spring 1144, and pulls the visor 600 and the bridge boot assembly 630 to the retracted state.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the spring on pinion arrangement 900 and the actuator tension spring 1010 can be used with the cable 1110 running around a circumference of a wheel and in place of the pinion. The wheel is appropriately sized and in some embodiments, is located at a rear of the helmet 400.

As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the actuator assembly 500 can be replaced with a hydraulic assembly. The hydraulic assembly 1200 comprises a master control cylinder 1210, left and right slave cylinders 1220, left and right hydraulic lines 1230, a retraction mechanism 1240, and a control mechanism 1250. The master control cylinder 1210 comprises a maser cylinder plunger 1211 and a master piston rod 1212. The left and right slave cylinders 1220, each comprise a slave piston rod 1221 and roller bearings 1222. The retraction mechanism 1240 comprise a retraction spring 1241 and a retraction spring anchor 1242. The control mechanism 1250 comprises a control spring 1251, a control tab 1252, a latch striker 1253, and a control tab latch 1254.

The hydraulic assembly 1200 uses the master cylinder 1210, the hydraulic lines 1230, and left and right slave cylinders 1220 to move the roller bearings. The control mechanism 700, such as described above is modified in order to control the master cylinder 1210. The actuator arms 530 and 540 are replaced by the hydraulic assembly 1200, with a left slave cylinder and a right slave cylinder 1220 that can move the roller bearings 1222 forwards and backwards at the same location within the actuator assembly 500, and within the left mechanical shroud 420 and the right mechanical shroud 430. Additionally, the slave cylinders 1220 can be mounted within the mechanical shrouds 420 and 430. The shrouds 420 and 430 and the helmet shell 401 are modified to incorporate the hydraulic assembly 1200. The hydraulic lines 1230 can connect the slave cylinders 1220 to the master cylinder 1210.

In some embodiments, the control and tension assembly 700 is replaced with the retraction spring 1241 connected to the master cylinder plunder 1211 and retraction spring anchor 1242 constantly pulls the master cylinder 1210 to the retracted position. The control tab 1252 can be connected to the master cylinder plunger 1211 by the control spring 1251. When the control tab 1252 is in the deployed position, it can be engaged by the latch 1251 through the latch striker 1253. As described in relation the latch, above, in some embodiments, the latch 1251 is adjustable.

The master cylinder 1210 drives the left and right hydraulic lines 1230 leading to the slave cylinders 1220 with the roller bearings 1222, which are attached to the slave cylinder piston rods 1221. The retraction spring 1241 positions the master cylinder plunger 1211 such that the roller bearings 1222 are at the fully retracted position by default. To deploy the lens 600 and the boot bridge assembly, the user mover the control tab 1252 toward the deployed position. Moving the control tab 1252 forward pulls the master cylinder plunger 1211, which pulls the roller bearings 1222 inwardly and toward the deployed state. This causes the lens 600 and boot bridge assembly 630 to move down and inwardly. The control tab 1252 can engage the control tab latch 1254 at the deployed state. The result is a fully deployed lens 600 and bridge boot assembly 630 with constant spring pressure against the face.

As described above, the helmet, visor, and boot bridge assembly move in a arc shaped path and/or pivot between a retracted and a deployed position. In the retracted position, the visor is preferably fully protected inside the helmet shell and the bridge boot assembly is hidden from view. The visor and bridge boot assembly is pulled along a track to the deployed position, with the bridge changing to visor shape along the arc path to conform to the face of the user in the deployed position. The motion of the bridge is dictated by roller bearings along the inside tracks and is independently vertically adjustable to conform to the user's face. The motion of the bridge can conform the to the visor in the retracted position and conform to the face in the deployed position. Additionally, the motion of the bridge can be dictated by flexible actuator bars that are synchronized by a pinion gear. The actuator bars can be pulled forward and to the retracted position by default, and the motion to the deployed state can be through a spring. Consequently, the bridge is held against the face with a spring force that optimizes the conformance of the bridge to the face.

Further, the bridge can be adjustable upwards and downwards independent of the tracks and the bridge motion can be constrained in a cam-like slot in the helmet shell and\or shroud. Additionally, a control and tension mechanism can use a tension spring and create a cam-like bridge track with a latch. As also described above, the control and tension mechanism can use a pinion with one spring that holds the mechanism in the deployed and the retracted state. Further, the helmet can utilize cables or a hydraulic mechanism in alternative to the actuator arm mechanism. Specifically, the integrated helmet assembly with a visor and bridge boot assembly uses a variety of control mechanisms in order to move the visor and the bridge boot assembly between a retracted position and a deployed position. When the visor is in the retracted position, the helmet can be used without the visor and the visor and the bridge boot assembly hidden from view. Then, when it is desirable to use the visor, the user can easily activate a control mechanism in order to deploy the visor and bridge boot assembly where it is able to protect the user's eyes and form a seal with the face to provide protection from wind and other debris. Accordingly, the helmet with retractable visor and bridge as described herein has many advantages.

The integrated helmet assembly, as described herein can use an interior protective layer such as an EPS foam protective head covering, with an injection molded plastic shell, with parts of the shell inmolded. Other parts can be constructed with injection molded plastic, machined plastic, vacuum formed plastic, and rubber. The bearings, as described herein can be machined plastic or metal and/or metal alloy. Additionally, parts can be formed of machined, cast, or stamped metal. The tracks can be integrated within the helmet shell, or could be fabricated in separate parts and affixed to an inside of the helmets shell.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such references, herein, to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically it will be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is able to be used to used with any appropriate sports or other helmet. 

1. A helmet and visor assembly comprising: a. a helmet shell; b. a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position; and c. a boot and bridge assembly that provides a seal against a face when the visor is in the deployed position.
 2. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the boot and bridge assembly is substantially horizontally movable.
 2. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the boot and bridge assembly is substantially vertically movable.
 3. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the helmet shell comprises a squeegee positioned to wipe the visor when it is moved.
 4. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the helmet shell comprises one or more anti fog pads positioned to wipe the visor when it is moved.
 5. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the visor is located within the helmet shell when it is in the retracted position.
 6. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the boot and bridge assembly comprises a flexible section for maintaining the seal with the face.
 7. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the motion of the visor and boot bridge assembly is controlled by one or more trolleys running in tracks on control arms.
 8. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the motion of the visor and boot bridge assembly is controlled by flexible actuator bars synchronized by a pinion gear.
 9. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the bridge boot assembly is held in the retracted position and the deployed position by a spring.
 10. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the boot bridge assembly is vertically adjustable independent of its tracks.
 11. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the visor moves on an arc-shaped track.
 12. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the visor pivots from the retracted position to the deployed position.
 13. The helmet and visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the helmet comprises one of a ski helmet, a snowboard helmet, a motorcycle helmet, an atv helmet, a water sports helmet, a climbing helmet, and a bicycle helmet.
 14. A control mechanism for a helmet and visor comprising: a. a tab for moving the visor between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein the tab moves the visor along a L-shaped track between the deployed position and the retracted position; and b. a latch for holding the visor in one of the retracted position and the deployed position.
 15. The control mechanism of claim 14, wherein the control mechanism comprises a cable.
 16. The control mechanism of claim 15, wherein the visor and bridge are moved in sequence by the cable.
 17. The control mechanism of claim 16, wherein the visor and bridge move circumferentially together and the bridge moves radially on its own, while the visor is locked in place.
 18. The control mechanism of claim 15, wherein a left and a right cable motion is synchronized.
 19. The control mechanism of claim 15, wherein the cable is routed in a figure eight shape pattern within the helmet shell.
 20. The control mechanism of claim 14, wherein the helmet comprises one of a ski helmet, a snowboard helmet, a motorcycle helmet, an atv helmet, a water sports helmet, a climbing helmet, and a bicycle helmet.
 21. A visor assembly configured for coupling with a helmet comprising: a. a visor movable between a retracted position and a deployed position; b. a control mechanism for moving the visor between the retracted position and the deployed position; and c. a bridge boot assembly coupled to the visor and configured for providing a seal against a face when the visor is in the deployed position.
 22. The visor assembly of claim 21, wherein the visor assembly comprises an aftermarket visor assembly. 